Reports to the General Assembly of United Free Church of Scotland

United Free Church of Scotland

2004 Reports Index

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY AND HOME AFFAIRS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2004

The Report of the Committee on Business and Administration will have already highlighted this Committee’s concern regarding the ministry of the United Free Church. The discussion paper outlines some of the views of the Committee and the serious challenges and threats facing the future of the Church. It is the hope of the Committee that the on-going discussions throughout the Church will clarify the Church’s thoughts on the nature of ministry and the way ahead. This part of the report of the Committee on Ministry and Home affairs deals with the various issues considered and work undertaken in the past year.
STUDENTS
The two students at present in training for the ministry are nearing the completion of their preparation. As reported last year Mrs. Deirdre Lyon had already completed her academic studies and was in the process of completing the various requirements of the Church. Mrs. Lyon has successfully undergone her Trials for License and passed the English Bible exams and essay. Mrs. Lyon has served as a Pastor in the Knightswood / Clydebank/ Duntocher West linkage and her work there has been of the highest order. Mrs. Lyon will receive a Certificate of Theological Studies and the Presbytery of the West will be requested to make the necessary arrangements for her licensing. Mrs. Amanda Reid is nearing the completion of her academic studies. It is expected that Mrs. Reid will complete her B.D. (Hons) degree at the University of Glasgow and then an additional course that will be undertaken to the end of 2004. Mrs. Reid is in her final placement and working to meet the various denominational requirements set down for students for the ministry. It is hoped that all of this will be completed by the end of this year and that Mrs. Reid will be licensed by the Presbytery of the West and be available for a call in early 2005.
SPRING CONFERENCE
Due to difficulties in finding suitable accommodation the conference for pastors and students for the ministry was a one day event. The theme was “Listening “and was led by three very capable speakers. Mrs. Sally Boa brought insights from her training and experience as a Speech Therapist. These centred on the challenges and skills of listening to people. Mr. David Liddle of Tearfund spoke of the need for churches to identify the real needs within their communities as they seek to share the Gospel. Rev Jim Neil led a fascinating session on “Listening with the congregation to God”.
IN-SERVICE CONFERENCE
The 2003 conference was held at Scottish Churches House and Rev John Evans was the guest speaker. The theme of the conference was 'Leadership' and those attending were challenged as they examined various aspects of church life and ministry. There were opportunities to share experiences and concerns and times for prayer which were of great benefit.
ENQUIRIES FOR MINISTRY AND PASTORAL OPPORTUNITIES
Over the year a number of people have been met or interviewed in response to requests for further information about the positions of minister or pastor. Rev George Cruikshank is now serving in a short-term part-time appointment at Leith: Ebenezer and Rev Cameron Langlands is at present serving Greenock: St. Andrew Square on a 2-day per week basis.
The Committee is responsible for all applications from those wishing to serve as Pastors and for applications from congregations seeking such an appointment.
The Committee continues to assist the Committee on Overseas and Inter-Church Affairs in promoting the opportunities of ministers from UCCSA. Visits have been made to two congregations to out-line the scheme and help churches prepare Congregational Profiles.
MINISTERS AND PASTORS
The Committee is responsible for the appointment of ministers and pastors in a number of congregations. The Committee is encouraged by the reports received from Session Clerks, Interim Moderators, Pastors and Ministers. The reports indicate a high level of commitment and faithful service in the conduct of worship, pastoral care and wider church involvement. The reports speak of significant encouragements and it is clear that a lot of very good work is being done. This is also true of the full-time ministry. In the midst of the serious challenges facing the Church, thanks are due to all who work sacrificially and faithfully in the cause of Christ and in the service of the United Free Church.
One or two churches have raised questions regarding the need for the appointments of pastors and part-time ministers to be renewed on an annual basis. The Committee is sympathetic with and supportive of the need for continuity in ministry. However the requirements of employment law, which affects such appointments, mean that they need to re-newed annually.
ADVISER IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The General Assembly of 2003 welcomed the appointment of the Rev D Cartledge as Adviser. It was not possible to begin the scheme immediately. Mr Cartledge has been working with the Committee on the details of the scheme and it is hoped that it will be up and running in the year ahead. It is expected that time will be made available at this year’s In-Service Conference to present the scheme to ministers and pastors. This will provide an opportunity for questions and discussion.
PASTORAL SUPPORT OF MINISTERS AND PASTORS
The Committee has continued to be in contact with presbyteries regarding the appointment of those who will provide pastoral support to ministers and pastors. The Committee hopes to be able to confirm that these appointments have been made at this year’s General Assembly.
VACANCY SCHEDULES
The Committee in considering the ministry needs of the Church has been aware that there is a need for vacant congregations to identify God’s vision for them and the role a minister would undertake. At present vacancy schedules are based primarily on the congregations ability to meet the financial aspects of such a call or appointment. It is the recommendation of the Committee that vacant congregations be asked to complete congregational profiles as part of the vacancy schedule. The attached Congregational Profile Appendix 1 would enable congregations to plan for the future and would enable Presbyteries to better identify the congregation’s ministry needs.
INTERIM MODERATORS IN CONGREGATIONS SERVED BY AN ORDAINED PASTOR
The minister of a congregation is by virtue of his/ her appointment to the charge the moderator of the Kirk Session. In the discharge of his/ her duties he/ she is answerable to Presbytery. Where there is no minister appointed to a charge the Presbytery appoints one of its members as interim moderator of the Session with the responsibility to carry out and see that the Practice and Procedure of the Church is carried out.
The question arises should Presbytery appoint to this role a pastor appointed to the charge. In considering that question we need to consider the difference between a minister and a pastor.
This can to many be a confusing question. For the average member the pastor is to all intent and purpose seen by them as their 'minister.' This is further compounded when the pastor has also received ministerial ordination. In terms of the work of ministry there appears little distinction nor should there necessarily be any.
While Presbytery may carry out a service of appointment, a pastor is in fact appointed by and answerable to the Committee on Ministry and Home Affairs. He/ she is not an office holder as a minister is, but an employee of the Committee. Such an appointment is an annual one made after consultation by the Committee with the pastor, interim moderator and the Kirk Session. The Presbytery may also pass comment if desired and unlike a minister the position is governed by the employment law of the land.
The minister being answerable to Presbytery is in a more secure position to moderate the Kirk Session and to fulfil his ministry. The pastor on the other hand while answerable to the Committee on Ministry and Home Affairs is subject to the need to satisfy the annual report of the Kirk Session. Where the pastor was to be interim moderator of the Kirk Session his/ her position could leave him/ her exposed being answerable to the Kirk Session in the exercise of his/ her ministry.
The presence of an interim moderator who is a minister or an elder can be seen as a lack of confidence in the pastor. However rather than being a lack of confidence in the pastor the interim moderator ought to be a source of strength, experience and encouragement to the pastor, the Kirk Session and the congregation. Too often the focus has been upon the ministerial functions carried out by the interim moderator rather than the function of the interim moderator.
The presence of a representative of Presbytery appointed and answerable to Presbytery is a necessary safeguard for both the Kirk Session and the pastor. In any settlement 'honeymoon periods' always come to an end. Just as relations between pastors and Kirk Session at times could be better the same can also be said for that between pastors and interim moderators. We are, after all, dealing with fallible people, that is why these safeguards are in place for the benefit of all. In all such cases Presbyteries should endeavour to appoint as interim moderators those with the experience the position requires. As employees the Church has a responsibility to pastors to ensure their well being in the position they occupy and an interim moderator is an essential component of that system.
In view of the nature of the appointments of Pastors and the position they occupy and the responsibility of the Committee to safeguard employees the present practice should remain.
COURSE FOR READERS
The Committee discussed the issue of ongoing training for those who are at present serving as Readers. It is a number of years since the last Readers' Course was held and it was agreed that there would be considerable benefit in organising follow-up courses, In consultation with the Committee on Business and Administration 2 study days have been organised. These will be held at Dunblane on 15th May and 9th October 2004. Those serving as Readers will be invited to attend these study days.
The possibility of holding a course for those who would like to serve as Readers is being explored.
DARNLEY
The Committee was pleased to be represented at the opening of the new hall at Darnley The hall and the re-furbished Church are impressive and clearly give scope for the expansion of ministry and mission in the area. The Committee was pleased to assist in this project and pray God’s blessing upon the work and ministry of this congregation.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion the Committee is aware of the important nature of its work. It has been confronted and will continue to face rapidly changing ministry needs. The models and expectations of the past may not be sustainable in the immediate future. The Committee continues to believe that God is calling men and women to be equipped to minister to the Church in Scotland in the years ahead. It will continue to pursue God’s will in this vital work.

In the name of the Committee
ARCHIBALD M FORD Convenor
IAN BOA Vice-Convenor
JAN CROSS Vice Convenor
JOHN O FULTON Secretary

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